Allergies can significantly impact your overall comfort in Hillcrest, CA, with various household allergens triggering allergic reactions in individuals suffering from sensitive respiratory systems. These allergens lurk in everyday items and spaces and often go unnoticed until they provoke symptoms. Read on to learn about some common household allergens and how they spread in your home.
1. Dust Mites
Dust mites are microscopic creatures that thrive in warm and humid environments. They are commonly found in bedding, upholstered furniture, carpets, and curtains. They produce allergenic proteins that can trigger allergic reactions, causing symptoms like sneezing, runny nose, and itchy eyes.
To reduce exposure to dust mites, regularly wash your bedding in hot water to kill dust mites and their eggs. It would also be best to vacuum all areas of your home, especially those that are hard to reach, using a vacuum cleaner with HEPA filters.
You can also utilize allergen-proof covers on mattresses, pillows, and bedding. Additionally, scheduling regular HVAC maintenance, which typically entails cleaning or replacing dirty and damaged air filters, can minimize the presence of dust mites in your Hillcrest, CA home.
2. Pet Allergens
In addition to animal fur, certain individuals may react to allergens found in an animal’s saliva, feathers, dead skin flakes, or urine. These allergens, often found in cats, dogs, birds, and rodents, can become airborne and induce allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. If you have pets, we recommend designating pet-free zones within your home, particularly in the living room and bedrooms.
You should also groom your pets outside to reduce the accumulation of pet dander and hair in your home. Additionally, using high-efficiency air purifiers with HEPA filters in your home can help ensure that the filters effectively capture pet dander and hair. It’s also essential to remember to wash your hands after handling pets.
3. Pollen
Pollen from trees, grasses, and weeds can enter your home via clothing and shoes or even get blown in through open windows and doors. To minimize exposure to pollen particles while indoors, keep all windows and doors closed, especially during peak pollen seasons.
Taking off shoes and heavy clothing, like jackets and sweaters, before entering the house can also help prevent pollen particles from entering your home. Installing high-quality filters in your HVAC system helps ensure they trap pollen particles. Regularly cleaning and dusting surfaces using a wet cloth helps remove settled pollen, too.
4. Pests and Rodents
Pests and rodents like cockroaches, mice, and rats compromise indoor air quality by introducing allergens into the air. For instance, cockroaches have allergenic proteins in their body parts and droppings that can trigger asthma attacks in sensitive individuals.
To prevent infestations and minimize exposure to pests like cockroaches, keep your kitchen and dining area clean and always clear all food crumbs. Additionally, seal any cracks and gaps in walls, floors, and windows to prevent insect entry.
It is also crucial to dispose of garbage in sealed containers to avoid attracting pests. Moreover, you can install baits to trap pests that have gained access to your home. However, if the infestation persists, it would be best to seek professional assistance right away.
5. Organic Growth
Damp and poorly ventilated areas provide an ideal environment for organic growth to thrive, releasing airborne spores that can trigger allergic reactions and respiratory issues. These areas often feature leaks and can be found in bathrooms, crawl spaces, basements, and under sinks. Exposure to these spores can cause breathing difficulties, allergies, and lung infections.
To effectively eliminate organic growth in your home, wipe the affected areas with bleach. While doing so, wear a dust mask and eye protection to prevent spores from entering your body. Additionally, it is advisable to have a professional fix any existing HVAC or plumbing leaks.
Contact West Coast Heating, Air Conditioning and Solar today to schedule AC installation services in Hillcrest, CA. With years of combined experience, our experts consistently deliver top-notch services to all clients.
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